SPL clubs welcome the return of standing areas at football matches

SCOTLAND'S top clubs last night gave an enthusiastic welcome to the return of standing areas at football.

SCOTLAND'S top clubs last night gave an enthusiastic welcome to the return of standing areas at football.

The SPL yesterday caved in to common sense and gave the green light to a pilot scheme that will allow clubs to install safe-standing areas following a campaign spearheaded by Record Sport.

Fir Park chief executive Leeann Dempster sparked the latest bid to bring back standing areas after a number of Motherwell fans were kicked out of Pittodrie for failing to sit on their seats last month.

Record Sport got fully behind Dempster and the Well fans as she brought up the incident with SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster while once again promoting the case for the footballing authorities to consider allowing safe-standing areas.

James Traynor then waded in to keep the bandwagon rolling with his hard-hitting column highlighting the need to listen to the fans while making clear the benefits of bringing back standing areas to our game at the top level.

And last night Aberdeen led the chorus of approval after the pilot scheme was approved by announcing they plan to install a special standing section at the club’s new stadium which is due to open in 2013.

A Dons spokesman said: “We had actually discussed having a standing section with the various fan groups and now plan to make changes for the move to the new stadium.

“It’s very much a positive decision and it will be safe for fans to watch their football in.

“We hope to be there for the start of the 2013-14 season so it would be a waste of time and money erecting a standing section at Pittodrie for just next season.”

And veteran Aberdeen boss Craig Brown also welcomed the news.

He said. “The fans are standing anyway so it’s much better to make it official.

“I’m a traditionalist and I certainly enjoyed standing at a match. The fans are more involved and it helps create a more exciting atmosphere.”

The Old Firm were united behind the idea and gave their support to the scheme. A spokesman for Rangers said: “The fans have intimated for some time their desire for a standing area within Ibrox.

“This is something the club has been looking at in terms of feasibility.”

A Celtic spokesperson said: “We fully support the initiative.”

The big two from the capital were also in favour. A Hearts spokesman said: “We welcome it but have no immediate plans to alter Tynecastle.

“It will be considered as part of any discussions regarding stadium redevelopment in line with our recent survey which revealed over 50 per cent of fans were in favour of a standing area.”

Hibs also revealed they will look at renovating part of their ground. A spokesman said: “We will review the situation regarding a standing section at matches.” Dunfermline have already looked into just how much it will all cost them.

Chairman John Yorkston said: “I have had a board meeting and we have launched an investigation into how much it would cost.

“It has been a success in Germany so we have looked at these cases and we would do it – if the price is right.”

Motherwell chief Dempster’s stance has been vindicated and she believes the financial squeeze has forced clubs to listen to their customers.

She said: “A couple of years ago the debate was raised about safe-standing and a few eyes rolled as many clubs believed this situation had already been covered and discussed.

“But as the financial squeeze has come it has changed people’s thinking.”

St Johnstone’s new chairman Steve Brown gave the thumbs up to a change.

He said: “We will monitor any trial of safe standing areas at other grounds and would not rule out any initiative that could improve the match-day experience for existing supporters or encourage more fans to come to watch.”

Inverness couldn’t be contacted last night but Dundee United made it a resounding majority of nine out of 12 in favour of a change.

A Tannadice spokesman said: “I know the supporters are keen on having a standing section and so are we if the finances are right.”

Only Kilmarnock and St Mirren ruled out installing the new standing area because of the initial cost involved in revamping their all-seated stands.